The
Moisturizer
Guide
Moisturizer
Guide
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By Liz Olivier
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From drugstores to department stores, the skincare industry is flooded with products claiming to be the greatest, leaving consumers wondering which items are worth indulging in and
which work best for each skin type. I’ve seen my fair share of products come and go and having the right information is key to honing in on the moisturizer best suited to your skin type and
get the most bang for your buck. Here is my insight on what you should look for when buying a moisturizer.
Face the Facts:
products with all ingredients listed with definitions.
which work best for each skin type. I’ve seen my fair share of products come and go and having the right information is key to honing in on the moisturizer best suited to your skin type and
get the most bang for your buck. Here is my insight on what you should look for when buying a moisturizer.
Face the Facts:
- The Sun is a major catalyst for cracked, dry skin, so it is vital to use daily moisturizers with a SPF or apply a SPF after your daily moisturizing regimen.
- Take note of the first 3-5 ingredients on the product. Ingredients are listed from most to least amount per container, so you know what you're paying for.
products with all ingredients listed with definitions.
- Don’t stick to one moisturizer for the rest of your life. Your skin type may vary from time to time due to hormones and other external factors.
- Most important of all - know your skin type! Moisturizers can get expensive and knowing what works for your skin type will save you money in the long run.
Liz Olivier is a South African-born hair and makeup artist based in New York City. Her work has been featured on the cover of GQ Style and inside the glossies of American Vogue,
Harper's Bazaar and Glamour magazines. On location in Bali, Olivier was the key hair and makeup artist for the motion picture 'Eat Pray Love,' starring Julia Roberts.
Harper's Bazaar and Glamour magazines. On location in Bali, Olivier was the key hair and makeup artist for the motion picture 'Eat Pray Love,' starring Julia Roberts.
SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
It is not uncommon for your skin to be oily in the summer. This is due to overactive
sebaceous glands, which make the skin oily. With oily skin you will have enlarged pores,
blackheads and become more prone to acne due to the overproduction and build-up of oil.
Before You Buy:
• Buy water based moisturizers and avoid any other products with unnecessary oils.
• If you are constantly fighting acne due to oily skin, you may want to consider trying a
moisturizer that has salicylic acid. It helps clear pores and prevents them from
clogging in the future.
Products:
Clinique - Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel with Pump ($24.50, clinique.com)
Neutrogena - Oil-Free Anti-Acne Moisturizer ($5.99, neutrogena.com)
La Roche Posy Anthelios SX Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 ($31.50, laroche-posay.us)
Oily Skin
It is not uncommon for your skin to be oily in the summer. This is due to overactive
sebaceous glands, which make the skin oily. With oily skin you will have enlarged pores,
blackheads and become more prone to acne due to the overproduction and build-up of oil.
Before You Buy:
• Buy water based moisturizers and avoid any other products with unnecessary oils.
• If you are constantly fighting acne due to oily skin, you may want to consider trying a
moisturizer that has salicylic acid. It helps clear pores and prevents them from
clogging in the future.
Products:
Clinique - Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel with Pump ($24.50, clinique.com)
Neutrogena - Oil-Free Anti-Acne Moisturizer ($5.99, neutrogena.com)
La Roche Posy Anthelios SX Daily Moisturizer SPF 15 ($31.50, laroche-posay.us)
Dry Skin
Usually, dehydrated skin can carry a dull look, keeping the glow out. Also, the skin can feel
itchy and tight. This can be explained by a natural lack of oil production in the skin or
external factors like cold winter weather and chlorine.
Before You Buy:
• Protect your dry skin with a moisturizer that locks in moisture.
• For severe dry skin talk to your doctor about a prescription moisturizer containing
AHA lactic acid - it will soften the top layer of the skin, helping moisture to be
absorbed. AHA can make skin sensitive, so make sure to wear SPF to prevent sun
damage.
Products:
Garnier - Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream ($6.79, ulta.com)
Guinot - Hydrazone Dehydrated Moisturizer ($78, dermstore.com)
Clarins - HydraQuench Cream SPF 15 ($48, es.clarins.com)
Usually, dehydrated skin can carry a dull look, keeping the glow out. Also, the skin can feel
itchy and tight. This can be explained by a natural lack of oil production in the skin or
external factors like cold winter weather and chlorine.
Before You Buy:
• Protect your dry skin with a moisturizer that locks in moisture.
• For severe dry skin talk to your doctor about a prescription moisturizer containing
AHA lactic acid - it will soften the top layer of the skin, helping moisture to be
absorbed. AHA can make skin sensitive, so make sure to wear SPF to prevent sun
damage.
Products:
Garnier - Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream ($6.79, ulta.com)
Guinot - Hydrazone Dehydrated Moisturizer ($78, dermstore.com)
Clarins - HydraQuench Cream SPF 15 ($48, es.clarins.com)
Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is thin and sensitive to fragrance, chemicals and other external factors.
Before You Buy:
• Always make sure the product states fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.
• Use a moisturizer that does not have too many plant extracts as they can cause skin
irritations.
Products:
Paula’s Choice - Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 15 & Antioxidants ($20.95,
paulaschoice.com)
Vichy - UV Activ Daily Moisturizer Sunscreen SPF 15 ($32, vichyusa.com)
Avene - Hydrance Optimale Rich Hydrating Cream ($28, drugstore.com)
Sensitive skin is thin and sensitive to fragrance, chemicals and other external factors.
Before You Buy:
• Always make sure the product states fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.
• Use a moisturizer that does not have too many plant extracts as they can cause skin
irritations.
Products:
Paula’s Choice - Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 15 & Antioxidants ($20.95,
paulaschoice.com)
Vichy - UV Activ Daily Moisturizer Sunscreen SPF 15 ($32, vichyusa.com)
Avene - Hydrance Optimale Rich Hydrating Cream ($28, drugstore.com)
Combination Skin
This skin is oily on the T-zone with drier areas around the face. Although a common skin
type, it is difficult to buy just one moisturizer.
Before you buy:
• Buy a lighter, oil-free moisturizer you can apply all over your face. That will help prevent
your oily T-zone getting oilier.
• In the areas where the skin is very dry, use an oilier moisturizer by dabbing it on the
affected areas.
Products:
*For applying all over your face
Clinique - Dramatically Different Moisturizing gel with Pump ($24.50, clinique.com)
*For applying on dry affected areas on your face
Kinerase - Ultimate Day Moisturizer ($119, kinerase.com)
Aveeno - Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 ($16.99, drugstore.com)
This skin is oily on the T-zone with drier areas around the face. Although a common skin
type, it is difficult to buy just one moisturizer.
Before you buy:
• Buy a lighter, oil-free moisturizer you can apply all over your face. That will help prevent
your oily T-zone getting oilier.
• In the areas where the skin is very dry, use an oilier moisturizer by dabbing it on the
affected areas.
Products:
*For applying all over your face
Clinique - Dramatically Different Moisturizing gel with Pump ($24.50, clinique.com)
*For applying on dry affected areas on your face
Kinerase - Ultimate Day Moisturizer ($119, kinerase.com)
Aveeno - Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 ($16.99, drugstore.com)
Q+A's resident beauty guru, Liz Olivier, combs through a clutter of moisturizers to bring you the best the market has to offer for every skin type out there.
